By Shaffie A Mtambo
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera is set to play a crucial role in shaping Malawi’s energy future as he attends the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The summit, scheduled for January 28, 2025, aims to secure commitments from African leaders to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030, with a target of connecting 300 million Africans to the grid .
Malawi is poised to benefit significantly from the summit, as President Chakwera will preside over the signing of a $300 million compact approved by the World Bank Board. This funding will support Malawi’s efforts to achieve universal energy and electricity access by 2030.
The Mission 300 initiative is a critical step towards addressing energy poverty in Africa, unlocking economic opportunities, and promoting sustainable development. By providing electricity access to 300 million people, the initiative aims to transform everyday life, create jobs, raise incomes, and strengthen economic growth .
President Chakwera’s participation in the summit demonstrates Malawi’s commitment to achieving its energy goals and contributing to the global effort to provide universal access to electricity. The summit will also provide a platform for President Chakwera to engage with other African leaders and development partners, fostering cooperation and knowledge-sharing to drive Africa’s energy agenda forward.
Other notable attendees at the summit include presidents from Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, among others. The event is jointly organized by the Government of Tanzania, the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank, and other partners .
